Moors finally got their season started on a cold night at Leyton Orient\'s magnificent Matchroom Stadium. There were close on 100 Solihull supporters who despite being totally outnumbered, managed to make themselves heard. Liam McDonald was without several key players as niggling injuries played their part in a spirited but disappointing evening’s work.

The hosts were quickly in their stride with Moors struggling to get any control in mid field; Mooney had the first chance but Connal Trueman was well placed, and the “O”s first corner on 10 minutes eluded everybody and thankfully the near post. McAnuff was inches wide and the impressive Mooney went just wide of the far post. Bonne’s effort on 18 minutes from close range had Moors hearts in their mouths.

Solihull’s first meaningful foray had to wait until 18 minutes when a 25 yard free kick from Luke Benbow hit the wall and his shot on the rebound was high and no trouble for keeper Grainger.

Orient’s first goal seemed inevitable but totally unjust when Trueman was clearly pushed as he tried to cut out a corner; Referee Brook saw nothing untoward but with the Moors shot stopper floored, Lee had the easiest of tap ins through a melee of legs. It should not have been allowed but Orient had done enough to justify their lead.

Moors had a dubious shout for a penalty waived away when it looked more likely that Oladapo Afolayan slipped in the box, but the young Moors striker was then so close as he just missed proper contact with a pin point Darren Carter cross into the box.

Dayton’s header was acrobatically pushed onto the post and away by Trueman on the half hour whilst Bonne failed to make any thing of a one on one with the Moors keeper.

By far Solihull’s best move of the match so far came on 37 minutes when Benbow picked out Carter to fire in a wicked cross to Dapo but George Carline was beaten to the tap in.

One goal down at the interval was in the circumstances a fair reflection of play but that changed just two minutes after the restart; Orient pressed down the right flank and a good low cross was not dealt with by the Moors defence enabling McAnuff to side foot home .

Kalern Thomas blasted over on the hour after a good long throw from Jordan Liburd whilst Orient’s Bonne was thwarted first by Thomas and then Trueman as Orient pushed on.

Benbow was replaced by Tristian Dunkley and then Tom Tonks took over from Carline in an inspirational substitution with 15 minutes left on the clock; almost immediately Tonks played a one – two with Afolayan who smashed the ball passed Grainger. 2-1

That should have been the start of a late comeback back within two minutes a corner from the “O”s was not cleared and Elokobi’s effort was deflected beyond Trueman by what appeared to be a Moors defender. 3 – 1

Moors had shots from Edwards and Afolayan wide of the mark but there was no way back.

Lessons will have been learnt but Orient were dominant and deserved their first points in the National League. At the end of a torrid week both on and off the pitch, Solihull must regroup for another trip down south on Saturday when they face Boreham Wood KO 3.00 pm